Hello All,
Have already tried hot and cold patches on shoulders/arms to reduce discomfort from PMR during cycling...
Now I have tried the "Nurofen" patches; which release a measured dose of Ibuprofen over 24 hrs. I found the effect of this type of patch to be quite limited and localised (unlike the tablets).
In short, because only one patch can be used at a time, they are of limited use. Though maybe one could be combined with a heat patch on the other arm...
I think most of us would have told you they wouldn't do much for PMR pain - only really for the "add-ons"
Perhaps your body is telling you that cycling is too much for it. PMR muscles tire very quickly, most of us have to adapt any activity we do.
NSAIDS like Ibuprofen are not recommended for regular use unless specified by your Doctor as they can cause upset to the stomach and increased skin issues while on Steroids.
You body is telling you that outdoor cycling is not a suitable exercise for you at the moment even if your Mind loves it.
Extra Pain and Flares of Disease activity is your body's response to Stress . Stress isn't just a Negative thing but any activity , Physical or Mental , that the body cannot cope with.
Most people with PMR find that Outdoor cycling , Running , Raquet Sports , Golf and Cardio are not possible until near the end of their PMR.
You could try Stationery bike , but the amount of time , distance achieved on that bike will also need to be reduced.
Unfortunately , PMR does force us to accept changes and adaptions to our activities.
And that includes gel and patches....
I get some addition reduction of pain from taking aspirin which is an inflammatory reducer. But ibuprofen is too so I don't know if aspirin would be any better for you or not.
The outdoor cycling is probably a turn too much! A friend of mine bought one of those floor pedalling models and happily sits in an upright chair, pedalling away . There is a light resistance adjuster so to make it slightly easier or harder.
Thanks for the above comments. I am at 5 months off prednisone and symptoms are lesser (and different).
Hence my return to cycling.
One tip is to make sure you wear plenty of padding as saddle soreness can be more of an issue.
I won’t be trying more parches save for the heat ones in chilly onditions.
I'm listening to my body, more and more!
Feeling a little more positive!!
New Doctors more tests
No more Calcium supplements 
Groups more susceptible to PMR?
